Disney contributed to the production costs of the film in return for
distribution rights in certain countries, so there is a high likelihood of Disney
(or a subsidiary) releasing it in other countries around the world.

Yes. Studio Ghibli got their
collective feet wet using CG in Princess Mononoke, and took
the plunge when they produced the 100%-digital feature My
Neighbors the Yamadas. Computer graphics were used extensively in Sen via
digital inking and a few background CG scenes.

This
article covers the use of Softimage products in the production of the movie.

Miyazaki held a press conference on July 10, 2001 and said he was retiring from creating feature-length films; saying that it is now physically impossible to endure the long and hard work of directing a feature-length film. However, just like his previous retirement, it was short-lived. Miyazaki had been planning a semi-secret project, but is now directing Howl's Moving Castle.

The character on Yubaba's flag and over the door of the bath house: "Yu",
meaning bath. The name of the bath house is "Aburaya" (house/shop/seller of oil).
"Abura" means "oil", and can also be pronounced "yu" or "yuu". "Yu" (not "yuu")
can be used for "bath" or "hot water". A bath uses hot water, and the hiragana
"yu" can be written on a curtain (called "noren") at the entrance to a bath house.

On the front of the train: "Nakamichi," meaning middle way, but probably a name of a place.

According to Miyazaki-San, Chihiro doesn't remember what happened in another
world, but it was not a dream. Something really happened. To show the
audience that something really happened, he gave several hints, such as dust
and leaves on the car. Chihiro's hairband (given by Zeniba) glittering was
also one of the hints. It is also to remind the audience what Zeniba said,
"You don't forget what happened. You just can't recall it."

The last line spoken by Chihiro in the English dub is not present in the Japanese dub.